Dillman wins vote of confidence

ESU president's contract is extended amid investigations into his head of fundraising

EAST STROUDSBURG — East Stroudsburg University's Council of Trustees extended the contract of its president Thursday, even as faculty and alumni have called for greater accountability amid investigations into sexual and financial impropriety allegedly committed by another top administrator.

EAST STROUDSBURG — East Stroudsburg University's Council of Trustees extended the contract of its president Thursday, even as faculty and alumni have called for greater accountability amid investigations into sexual and financial impropriety allegedly committed by another top administrator.

Robert J. Dillman, who has been at the helm of ESU since 1996, last had his contract renewed two years ago. His new extension will be for another two years, until 2010, according to Dr. Darell T. Covington, vice-chair of ESU's council of trustees.

Dillman earned more than $185,000 last year.

"I am very confident in his ability to continue to lead the university," Covington said after a closed-door session. "I think his record of improvement speaks very well for itself, and I'm going to be very supportive of him."

Covington cited improvements in graduation rates and in the campus buildings as two reasons for the trustees' decision. "I look at the Science and Technology Center. I look at the growth in our faculty and the successful promotion and tenure of faculty members, and just the overall quality of the university," he said.

Covington said he was not troubled by Dillman's leadership after two state investigations were recently launched into alleged impropriety by chief university fundraiser Isaac W. Sanders, whom Dillman hired and who serves on his five-member president's council. Those investigations followed an internal investigation that was conducted and closed by Dillman's staff.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission are investigating allegations that Sanders sexually harassed male students. Five students have reportedly come forward with claims. Some have said that Sanders used money — in the form of scholarships and gifts — to pave the way for his alleged sexual advances. In addition, a recent analysis by the Pocono Record also showed inconsistencies in the payouts of scholarship funds.

"The state is in charge of all types of personnel matters and things like that so, no, it doesn't give me reason for pause," Covington said. "This is just part of the process."

Dillman has twice received votes of no confidence from the faculty, the last time in 2006.

While faculty has not commented publicly as recent allegations have come to light, a professor raised questions during a public portion of Thursday's meeting.

"Throughout this summer and especially in recent weeks, faculty have remained extremely concerned about ESU administration's decisions and actions, especially in light of the newspaper accounts related to (Sanders)," said Joseph Miele, professor of psychology, speaking on behalf of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties.

Miele said that the union is a large contributor to the foundation, having endowed $2,500 in scholarships, with many members giving more than $10,000.

"What is going on here?" Miele asked. "Has there been a significant cover-up of wrongdoing? Can donors to the foundation feel their money is safe and going to appropriate purposes? Can students feel safe when dealing with senior administrators?"

Miele also questioned whether the administration fairly conducts investigations, citing a coach who was put on leave with pay last year even though the coach did not know what the charge was.

"Yet, it appears an internal investigation of an administrator was handled very differently," he said.

Sanders remained at work during the internal investigation into harassment last year, and was put on leave after the state system's investigation became known this summer.

"The reputation of our university is at risk," Miele said. "Where does the buck stop and who's responsible?"